The dictionary defines juxtapose as ‘to place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.’ The year 2021 was notable for juxtaposing of endless Groundhog-Day-like repetition of pandemic-induced remote work and the constant change in pest management research and extension work at UC IPM and in UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) more broadly. Day-to-day routines repeated in a continual loop while massive changes occurred all around. New invasive pests, changes in endemic pests, new collaborators, changes in UC IPM personnel, the $32 million infusion of funding to UC ANR from the state legislature, and $6 million in funding one-time to the California Department of Food and Agriculture to support IPM at UC ANR and California State University Agricultural Research Institute (CSU ARI) are just a few examples of the changes.
As noted in this annual report, UC IPM research and extension continued to address the needs of all Californians for effective pest management while minimizing economic, human-health, and environmental risks. I am grateful to all the UC IPM staff and academics for their continued excellent work despite the uncertainties of beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards received by UC IPM staff and academics validate my assessment of the excellence of their work. I am fortunate to work with this amazing group of professionals.
As 2021 drew to a close, the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel appeared likely to be a positive indication and not the headlight of a freight train. Here’s hoping for a bright and positive 2022.